Height
4 meters
Year Built
2005
Address
Princes Highway, Tailem Bend, SA 5260
The Lowdown
The Big Olive in Tailem Bend stands as a tribute to South Australia's thriving olive industry, which has flourished in the state's Mediterranean-style climate since the mid-1800s. This enormous green olive, complete with its distinctive oval shape and subtle sheen, celebrates the grove of over 15,000 olive trees at the adjacent Big Olive complex. South Australia produces approximately 80% of Australia's olive oil, and the Murray Bridge and Riverland regions are at the heart of this industry. The Big Olive invites visitors to explore the olive grove, taste premium Australian olive oils, and learn about the journey from tree to table.
Did you know?
"South Australia produces about 80% of Australia's olive oil"
History
The Big Olive was created in 2005 as part of the Big Olive tourist complex, which showcases South Australia's olive industry. The complex includes a grove of over 15,000 olive trees representing varieties from around the Mediterranean. Olives were first introduced to South Australia by European migrants in the 1840s, and the industry has grown to make the state Australia's largest olive producer.
More Fun Facts
- •South Australia produces about 80% of Australia's olive oil
- •The Big Olive complex has over 15,000 olive trees of 50 different varieties
- •Olive trees can live for over 1,000 years - some Mediterranean trees are 2,000+ years old
- •Australia's olive industry was revived in the 1990s after decades of decline
- •Extra virgin olive oil is made from the first cold pressing of olives
Visiting Tips
- 💡Take the guided tour to learn about olive varieties and oil production
- 💡Stock up on premium olive oils, tapenades, and olive products
- 💡Tailem Bend is also home to 'The Bend' motorsport park
- 💡Combine with a visit to nearby Murray Bridge for river cruise
- 💡Great stop on the drive between Adelaide and Melbourne
Opening Hours
Complex hours listed. The Big Olive sculpture can be viewed at any time.
More Big Things Nearby
Big Galah
An impressive 8-metre tall pink and grey galah sculpture marking the halfway point across Australia between Sydney and Perth.
Big Mango
A 10-meter tall, 7-tonne fibreglass tribute to Bowen's mango industry, famously 'stolen' by Nando's in 2014 for a viral marketing campaign.
Big Orange
Australia's largest big fruit at 15 metres tall and 12 metres wide, a former cafe and viewing platform celebrating the Riverland's citrus industry.